Preview: Millwall vs. Derby

MILLWALL take on Derby County at The Den this Saturday finally able to welcome back skipper Paul Robinson, who has fully recovered from a thigh injury that has kept the centre-half sidelined for the previous four matches.

The Lions captain is expected to return to the starting eleven, however fellow centre-half Shane Lowry is rated as doubtful for tomorrow’s fixture having missed out on Tuesday’s 3-2 win at Southampton with a knock.

Forward Darius Henderson has sufficiently recovered from a back niggle to train this week and is expected to return to lead the line as Millwall go in search of their first home league win since Boxing Day.

Fellow striker Andy Keogh is set to return having sat out Tuesday’s win due to ineligibility; however the Republic of Ireland international may have to settle for a place on the bench following the impressive display of Tottenham loanee Harry Kane in midweek.

The Lions, however, look set to be without midfielder Jimmy Abdou, who is struggling with a painful knee. The impressive midweek display provides manager Kenny Jackett with a welcome selection headache with the likes of James Henry, Josh Wright, Danny N’Guessan and Ryan Mason all looking to retain their starting places.

Striker N’Guessan looks to have sufficiently recovered from a knock sustained in the Tuesday’s FA Cup win, while super-sub Liam Feeney will be hoping to return to the starting eleven following his late winner.

Winger Hamer Bouazza and left-back Jordan Stewart, who both returned to training this week, will be also looking to force their way back into the first-team picture having been struggling with groin injuries in previous weeks.

Reserve goalkeeper Steve Mildenhall continues his recovery from an ankle injury, meaning youngster Ryan Allsop will retain his place on the substitute’s bench, while long-term midfield absentees Therry Racon and Tamika Mkandawire remain unavailable. Racon, however, could return to first-team training later this month.

Derby County are set to be without former Lion Theo Robinson, who is still sidelined with a calf injury, having not been involved in training this week.

The frontman, who signed for Derby from Millwall last season, is however the only notable absence from an otherwise fully-fit Rams squad.

Forward Steve Davies, who the Lions were linked with last summer, is pushing to be involved having sufficiently recovered from a skull-fracture as is another one-time Lions target Nathan Tyson, who is expected to be in the squad.

Sunderland loanee Ryan Noble and Callum Ball are also likely to take places in the match-day squad. The Lions will be looking to avenge Derby’s 3-0 home success earlier in the season.